Overview of the IB School Year Structure
Unlike national boards that follow a fixed examination calendar, International Baccalaureate (IB) schools enjoy some flexibility in organizing their academic years. Most IB schools follow either:
- Two-semester systems (August–December, January–June)
- Three-term structures, especially in international settings
Each period may include report cards, parent-teacher conferences, and term-end assessments. However, the schedule must align with the broader goals of the IB curriculum, which emphasizes continuous and holistic assessment.
What Are Term-End Exams in the Context of IB?
Term-end exams in IB schools refer to exams administered at the end of a semester or academic term to:
- Gauge student understanding
- Mimic the format and pressure of final IB exams
- Provide teachers with data for reports and predicted grades
They differ from official IB final exams, which are globally administered in May or November of the second DP year.
Term-end exams are usually designed by schools, not by the IB Organization, and may vary in length, content, and format.
Do All IB Schools Conduct Term-End Exams?
No—term-end exams are not mandatory in IB schools. Their implementation depends on:
- Individual school policy
- Local educational regulations
- Internal curriculum planning
However, most IB schools do conduct term-end exams in both the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) to:
- Support academic rigor
- Prepare students for final assessments
- Provide measurable feedback to parents and students
The frequency and format of these exams vary between schools and sometimes between subjects.
Why IB Schools Have Midterms and Finals
Even though the IB emphasizes continuous assessment, term-end exams serve several purposes:
- Preparation: They simulate the final IB exams in structure and stress, helping students practice under pressure
- Feedback: Teachers use them to track learning and identify gaps
- Forecasting: Results influence predicted grades and progress reports
Additionally, in DP2, term-end exams often double as mock exams, which are critical for final exam readiness.
Differences Between MYP and DP Assessment Styles
MYP Assessments (Years 1–5):
- Use IB-defined criteria per subject (e.g., Criterion A–D)
- Focus on formative and summative tasks throughout the term
- In Year 5, students may sit eAssessments, which resemble term-end exams
DP Assessments (Years 1–2):
- Incorporate paper-based tests resembling final IB exams
- Use past papers and IB-style questions
- Include Internal Assessments (IAs) as part of final grading
In both cases, term-end exams supplement—not replace—official assessments.
Examples of Term-End Exam Schedules in IB Schools
A typical IB school's exam calendar might look like:
- December: Term 1 exams in all major subjects (Math, English, Sciences, etc.)
- March/April: MYP eAssessment preparation or DP mock exams
- June: End-of-year exams for final feedback
These assessments often mimic IB exams in structure—such as Paper 1 for Language and Literature, or short-answer and extended-response formats in Sciences.
How Term-End Exams Affect Student Grades
Although term-end exams do not count toward final IB scores, they still:
- Contribute to semester grades and internal transcripts
- Inform predicted grades in DP2, which affect university applications
- Influence teacher feedback and subject recommendations
Final IB grades are awarded solely based on IB assessments and examinations, but term-end exams play a key role in day-to-day academic monitoring.
Preparing for Term-End Exams in an IB School
Here’s how students can prepare effectively:
- Review the syllabus and learning outcomes from class
- Use past IB papers and questionbanks for practice
- Focus on time management, especially for subjects with essays
- Balance IAs and exam revision with a realistic study plan
Don't neglect health—sleep and mental wellbeing are crucial during exam periods.
Conclusion: Term-End Exams Are Part of IB, But Not Everything
To answer the core question: Yes, most IB schools do conduct term-end exams, but they’re internally designed and optional, not mandated by the IB itself.
These exams serve to:
- Prepare students for final IB assessments
- Monitor academic growth
- Help teachers provide accurate predicted grades
They’re important, but they’re not the whole picture. IB success comes from consistent effort, internal assessment performance, and strategic preparation.
FAQs
Are term-end exams mandatory in all IB schools?
No, each IB school decides its own exam policy, though most do include term-end assessments.
Do term exams affect IB predicted grades?
Yes, especially in DP1 and DP2, term-end exams often inform teacher predictions.
How are school exams different from IB exams?
School exams are internally created and vary by institution. IB exams are globally standardized and marked externally.
Are mock exams the same as term-end exams?
In DP2, mock exams are often held during term-end periods and mirror actual IB exam conditions.
Do MYP students have exams every term?
Not necessarily. MYP assessment focuses on criteria-based grading, but Year 5 may include eAssessments or summative tests.
Are all subjects tested in each term-end exam?
Not always. Some schools rotate subjects or focus on key areas depending on curriculum goals and calendar space.
